The Israeli defense establishment is getting nervous as it prepares for the “Great March of Return” planned by Hamas along the border between Israel and Gaza for March 30. While making the necessary military preparations and stationing troops on the ground, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has warned the people of Gaza — with special emphasis on local bus companies — not to cooperate with Hamas. Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai said that COGAT has warned some 20 bus companies operating in Gaza that if their buses bring protesters to the border, "you and your families will be held personally responsible."
The working assumption within the security establishment is that faced with an internal crisis, Hamas is exploiting the plight of Gaza residents to enter into conflict with Israel. Nevertheless, even with tensions in the south rising, softer voices are also emerging from Hamas.
On March 21, political bureau member Salah al-Bardawil said in an interview with Al-Quds TV that his movement is ready to engage in dialogue with the US administration. It was surprising, especially since Hamas has started encouraging the people of Gaza to engage the IDF in clashes now that US President Donald Trump has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The climax of these demonstrations is scheduled to take place along the border fence on the day the US Embassy is to be moved to Jerusalem this May. In the interview, Bardawil denied that there are any open channels of communication between Hamas and the US administration but noted that one could be opened for Hamas to lay out its national aspirations to the American government.
Other surprising statements came from senior Hamas official Ahmed Yousef, former political adviser to leader Ismail Haniyeh. Journalist Nir Gontarz called Yousef March 27, presented himself as an Israeli journalist and asked him about the planned march. Despite the Hamas charter and the comprehensive ban that the movement’s leadership has placed on communications with the Israeli media, Yousef responded to Gontarz with a conciliatory statement:
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